Jean Cook

For this week’s segment of Woman Wednesday, AY About You sits down with Jean Cook.

 

Cook grew up in Corning, a small town in the northeastern corner of the state. Cook’s paternal family are farmers, and her maternal grandparents owned and ran a motorcycle and boat motor dealership. Cook grew up surrounded by people who worked for themselves and worked hard for their success.  

 

“I was always proud of them for that and they were all always ready to teach me about their business,” Cook says. “They also were all pretty good at work/life balance, long before we ever called it that. They recognized the importance of family and relaxation time.”

Cook is a graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and is a proud Razorback basketball fan. Cook played basketball in high school and still loves the game.  

 

“Yes, I am one of those fans who cheer loudly while watching a game on TV by myself,” she says.

 

Another hobby of Cook’s is upcycling and making things. “I enjoy finding an old dilapidated or broken thing at a flea market or estate sale and reimaging it into something new. Spray paint can be a girl’s best friend.”

Cook is also a proud dog owner. “I have two chocolate brown chihuahuas. I never thought I would be a small dog person but the first one stole my heart and adopted me at an adoption event and then of course she needed a sister.”

We asked Cook what it means to her to be a woman.

 

Cook: I think about that less than most people do. I am who I am: I like business, I like upcycling, I like sunshine and beaches, I like to educate and pass down my knowledge and I happen to be female.  I’ve worked my way up as a successful executive member in a variety of industries – I attribute that success to a variety of things, one of which is that I don’t let my gender define me, I lean into my skills, intellect, and experience and let those speak for themselves. The main work area where I think about a woman’s view is in helping our leadership consider how our decisions will be perceived by our employees, and a woman’s point of view is one of those views. I wish we could all clear our heads of preconceived notions of any kind. Preconceptions can get in the way of true understanding and smart business decisions.

 

On the personal side I am a Mom.  I adore my daughter and the times we spend doing girl hangouts – shopping, road trips, laughing, cooking, etc.  Time with her is precious.

Mitch and Jean

 

We asked Cook what challenges she has faced in her field.

 

Cook: I have worked at a large national accounting firm, an oil field supply company, an industrial distribution company, as a small business consultant and at TNAA as CFO and COO. When I was working at the oil field supply company, the majority of the time in meetings, I was the only woman in the room. It took the leaders of that company a bit of time to figure out what to do about that. They were used to some yelling and cursing (this was in the 80’s) and my presence was causing them to be uncomfortable. I gave them permission to be themselves and promised not to be offended without telling them. It became one of my favorite jobs, I felt valued, and the leaders there taught me a lot. Because of my name – Jean (or is it Gene?) and with some of my roles having been in male dominated industries I have many times faced a client or vendor who assumed I was male. That always disappointed me. The challenge is to rise above it and prove to them that my good work and knowledge will provide a great result. I have always wanted to leave the situation having been a small part of the change of mind for that individual about women in the workplace.            

 

Cook offers a word of advice for young women and girls who might read this article.

 

Cook: From a business perspective I would give young women the advice to be strong in your skills and true to yourself. Even if you face some gender barriers, if you do good work with a confident spirit you will earn the respect you deserve.”

 

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